LWVH ADVOCACY PROGRAM: LOCAL, COUNTY AND REGIONAL POSITIONS 2022
Local Position Review and Edits by LWVH 2022
Summit County and Regional Position Review and Edits by LWVH and LWVAA 2022
The League of Women Voters takes action on an issue only when we have a position addressing that particular issue. Members must study and come to consensus on an issue, in order to form a position. This thorough grassroots process ensures that our advocacy is well considered by a broad range of people. LWVUS
- Initiating advocacy founded on League positions and principles can be introduced from a variety of League sources: Board, Observer Corps, Members, ILO, LWVO, LWVUS, collaborating Leagues.
- LWV encourages local Leagues to create studies and positions for local issues. These positions are needed when LWVUS and LWVO Positions and Principles are not specific enough to address local issues.
- Any member may be appointed to lead studies and advocacy efforts.
- Local Leagues may strengthen their advocacy by supplementing local positions with relevant LWVO and LWVUS positions and principles and authenticated sources.
I. LWVH Local Positions
- Positions created from studies focused on Hudson issues; local positions do not supersede or conflict with state and national positions.
- Biennial position reviews are scheduled to coincide with LWVUS Impact on Issues biennial review (even numbered years). Creating new positions and editing positions may occur in the interim. LWVH website and Archive to be updated with changes after biennial review and with any changes made in the interim.
II. Summit County League Positions
- Positions created by County Leagues from collaborative studies focused on County issues; County positions do not supersede or conflict with state and national positions.
- Individual County Leagues will review County positions scheduled to coincide with LWVUS Impact on Issues biennial review (even numbered years). Editing positions or new studies require conference and consensus between Leagues. County positions’ content must align. Website updates recommended.
III. Ohio Regional League Positions
- Positions created by Leagues outside Summit County from collaborative studies focused on regional issues; Regional positions do not supersede or conflict with state and national positions.
- Participating Leagues are identified in each regional position as they can vary per position.
- Individual Leagues will review Regional positions scheduled to coincide with LWVUS Impact on Issues biennial review (even numbered years). Editing positions or new studies require conference and consensus between Leagues. Regional positions’ content must align. Website updates recommended.
Resources, Process, Sunshine Laws
- LWVO Agenda for Action https://www.lwvohio.org/positions-and-studies-1 and LWVUS Impact on Issues https://www.lwv.org/impact-issues Positions and Principles.
- LWVUS Advocacy v Lobbying
- https://www.lwv.org/league-management/other-issues-tools/defining-advocacy-vs-lobbying
- LWVO Advocacy Guide https://www.lwvohio.org/advocacytrainingmaterials and LWVH Process for Selecting Positions.
- Ohio Sunshine Laws protect right to know; assuring transparency, accountability and citizen engagement in governance are fundamental to all positions. Ohio Sunshine Laws Manual https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Files/Publications-Files/Publications-for-Legal/Sunshine-Laws-Publications/2022-Sunshine-Manual.aspx (Ohio Attorney General is Administrator)
League Observer Corps provides the civic duty to assure the right to know is protected and whose reports may initiate advocacy by identifying League issues. Observer Role: Observe, Record, Report.
Sunshine Week Proclamations recognizing League: Hudson Council 2019-2022 and Summit County Council 2022. HCSD BOE verbal recognition 2019-2022. Hudson Library written recognition 2021.
I. LWVH LOCAL POSITIONS
LIBRARY Adopt 2010, Amend 2022
LWVH supports
adequate public funding to maintain or improve the Hudson Library and Historical Society when the following criteria are met in the following ways:
- oversight is provided by an elected citizen’s Board of Trustees;
- historical and archival record of Hudson’s past is preserved; and
- the Library meets the varying and changing needs of the community with programming and a variety of materials.
Background
LWVH are avid supporters of the Hudson Library and Historical Society and the important role in the community. There are no state or national studies and positions that directly support public libraries. The LWVH Library position is unique to LWVH in its local study and position, it is not a concurrence.
Action
2015 Produced Hudson Know Your Public Library Brochure
Board of Trustees Regulations LWVH Ad hoc Committee review and recommendations 2018
Supported operating levy 2021
PLANNING AND ZONING Adopt 1982, Amend 2022
LWVH supports
these criteria for evaluating planning proposals (Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code)
- be responsive and adaptable to changes;
- provide for citizen education and participation at all stages;
- consider social and environmental values as well as physical and economic development;
- be concerned with preserving historical and cultural assets of the local areas of the city;
- be fair and non-discriminatory, considering the welfare of the entire city rather than that of special interest groups; and
- be able to be implemented under existing financial and political constraints, but allow for possible changes.
Background
The 1982 position is inadequate in scope and has risk for misinterpretation; given the importance of land use and environmental impact locally the position needs to be improved. Amended edit is adapted from LWV California position in its alignment with LWVH intent in past study and position and LWVUS positions and principles. LWVO and LWVUS have many environment and land use positions that can be aligned in advocacy when using the local position. Thereby, the edits require no new study. Hudson City Council and Administration are updating the Land Development Code and discussing Comprehensive Plan Framework in 2022. Changes to LDC and Comprehensive Plan should be monitored. Land use decisions by Council and appointed Boards and Commissions should be monitored as they relate to LDC and Comprehensive Plan.
Action
LWVH took action using County, LWVO, LWVUS positions to oppose land use for property development on Boston Mills Rd, Hudson, connected to wetlands designations. Advocacy took place circa 2010-2020.
RECREATION AND PARKS Adopt Amend 2022
LWVH supports
- a public recreation program that meets the needs of Hudson citizens of all ages and abilities;
- an adequate public recreational program should encompass both active and passive recreational options, and would benefit from centralized, professional planning/administration; and
- the conservator role of the Park Board in preserving green space and environmentally sensitive areas while, at the same time, maintaining parks that provide for the community's active and passive recreational needs.
EDUCATION Adopt mid 1990’s, Amend 2012
LWVH supports
adequate funding and fiscal management that maintain or improve educational programming and opportunities for all public school students in the Hudson City School District.
Background
LWVO has positions on public education funding but they are not specific to local school districts. Local Leagues are encouraged to study/form positions. LWVH is a committed supporter of funding for the Hudson City School District.
Action
2012 New Study and Booklet: Hudson Know Your Public School District; Supported PIF Levy renewal 2017; HMS Bond Issue 2017; PIF Levy renewal 2022
CITY COUNCIL Adopt 2021
LWVH opposes
term limits for Hudson City Council as a legislative body.
Background
Term limits were requested by Council and one citizen in the Charter Review Commission process which was not accepted 2020. Council and Mayor proposed legislation 2021. LWVO opposes term limits for the General Assembly but has no link to local government per se. LWVH created a concurrence study using LWVUS, LWVO and LWV New York State resources as rationale to create a local position to oppose term limits for Council in their legislative identity. We have no position on term limits for Mayor in its ceremonial role. Term limits is a voting rights issue that limits voter choice and affects elected representation that can be manipulated by partisan politics.
Action
Concurrence Study 2021 – LWVUS, LWVO, LWV New York State resources
Opposed Council Legislation to install term limits for Council and Mayor 2021, Legislation failed
LWV HUDSON CLIMATE ACTION AND SUSTAINABILITY PLANNING PROCESS Adopt 2022
LWVH supports
the creation and implementation of a Climate Action and Sustainability Planning Process that will result in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Hudson, prepare for the changing climate in ways that protect public health and safety and support a socially just and sustainable economic future. The framework is designed to achieve this by addressing the ten pledge elements of Climate Smart Communities as outlined below to develop and implement a local strategic Climate Action and Sustainability Plan by addressing 10 core elements:
a. Pledge to be a Climate Smart Community
b. Set Goals, Inventory Emissions and Plan for Climate Action
c. Decrease Community energy use
d. Increase Community Use of Renewable Energy
e. Realize the Benefits of Reuse and Recycling and Other Climate Smart Materials and Land Use Tools
f. Enhance Community Resilience and Prepare for the Effects of Climate Change
g. Support the Development of an Innovative and Sustainable Economy
h. Engage, Inform and Inspire the Public
i. Commit to an Evolving/ Adaptive Process of Climate Action, including a structure with the authority to facilitate collaborative action among city functional areas, and City Council. The decision process employed must engage the people of Hudson to foster progress toward sustainability by using an approach that addresses the economics of the transition to renewable energy as well as the social justice and environmental integration/ecosystem sustainability realities of choices.
j. Support a City Staff Position of Sustainability Coordinator whose job would be to oversee/facilitate the implementation of the ACTION PLAN.
Steps for Creating a Climate Action Plan
Step 1: Determine Leadership & Climate Action Plan Framework Create a Climate Action Plan Advisory Committee Determine the Scope of the Plan
Step 2: Develop Communication and Public Engagement Strategy Engage Local Government Officials and Staff Engage Local and Regional Stakeholders Collect Community Input
Step 3: Complete and Analyze Baseline Assessments Local Government Operations GHG Emissions Inventory Community GHG Emissions Inventory Other Baseline Data and Indicators Assess Past and Existing Efforts
Step 4: Identify Goals and GHG Emissions Reduction Targets Identify Goals LWV Hudson Climate Action and Sustainability Planning Process (Adopted 2022) 2 Set Emissions Reduction Targets
Step 5: Identify Existing and Potential Initiatives
Step 6: Quantify Potential Impact of Initiatives Tools for Quantifying Initiatives
Step 7: Prioritize Initiatives
Step 8: Develop Plans for Implementation
Step 9: Establish Metrics for Determining If Outcomes meet Goals
Step 10: Write the Climate Action Plan
Step 11: Implement the Plan
Step 12: Track and Report Progress on a Stated Schedule
Step 13: Adapt the Plan and Strategies as Necessary
Background Justification for Study
Climate Change impacts on NE Ohio were increasingly visible, and while commitments from many local other jurisdictions to reduce climate impacts was ramping up through the Climate Smart Cities initiative, but there was no indication that Hudson was going to engage on climate related concerns at the municipal level. We needed to better understand local impacts, causes and consequences of NE Ohio climate changes, and learn what individuals and government actions could do to assist in reaching sustainable solutions to those challenges identified as having local dimensions. The LWV US leadership position and publications provided us with resources to proceed with an investigation, along with expertise and commitments from study volunteers
II. Summit County League Positions
LAND USE Adopt 1972, Amend 2022
LWVH supports
- policies to ensure adequate funding, necessary land acquisition, preservation of green space, coordination and citizen involvement in the Summit County Metro Parks.
- Support for county-wide planning and cooperation with adjacent counties;
- long-range land use planning for all areas within Summit County which provides for efficient transportation, efficient delivery of service and protection of environmentally fragile areas such as steep slopes, flood plains, scenic areas, and wetlands;
- appropriate economic incentives for adaptive reuse and rehabilitation of existing structures; county-wide zoning patterns that create and conserve open space and preserve historic, scenic and cultural resources;
- use of buffer zones, preferably native vegetation, between commercial developments, residential and/or scenic areas;
- resolutions and ordinances requiring the retention of desirable species of trees and other vegetation which might otherwise be cleared for development; and
- the provision of incentives for use of hardy native vegetation in buffer zones, developments, and general landscaping, in order to reduce maintenance and minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Action
LWVH took action using County, LWVO, LWVUS positions to oppose land use for property development on Boston Mills Rd, Hudson, connected to wetlands designations. Advocacy took place circa 2010-2020.
GOVERNMENT Adopt circa 1979, Amend 2022
LWVH supports
a. methods, which impose the fiscal management and the operation of Summit County government through the Summit County Charter;
(1) modern and appropriate accounting system with timely capital and operational annual budget adoptions;
(2) an executive-council form of government;
(3) elections of department heads who make policy; appointment of those who administer policy;
(4) appointment of an independent auditor; and
(5) a personnel system based on merit.
b. Review of countywide tax levies and the prevailing system of submission of individual tax levies by non-elected agency boards.
Background
The government position - original, goes back to circa 1978-1979. The change in government happened in 1979 with the first Council in 1981. Summit County was the first charter form of county government in Ohio. The Ohio Constitution had to be changed to allow it.
Action
LWVH and LWVAA: 2021 Summit County Charter Council District Apportionment studied following release of 2020 census data; meeting with Council President and staff; League recommendations offered; assigned League observer during process; testimony given during district map drawing.
SOCIAL POLICY Adopt ___ Amend 2022
LWVH supports
a. programs for the aged in Summit County including housing assistance (government, voluntary or private), financial assistance and social services;
b. programs that help the developmentally challenged to meet their basic human needs;
c. an effective planning process, adequate funding and provision for the most appropriate treatment and services for persons with disabilities;
d. equal access to affordable housing for all income levels;
e. policies and programs that protect the well-being, development and safety of all children; and
f. policies and programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the community including government, schools, businesses and community organizations.
TRANSPORTATION Adopt Amend 2022
LWVH supports
- mass transportation in Summit County with a focus on being available for employment and coordinate all land use planning with transportation; and
- a comprehensive intermodal transportation system that takes into consideration pedestrians and bicyclists.
III. Ohio Regional League Positions
LAND USE Adopt 1972, Amend 2022
LWVH supports
a. continued development of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and its restoration and preservation of an open green area; and
b. county-wide planning and cooperation with adjacent counties to maintain and or improve the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
Background
This position was separated from the Summit County Land Use position in that the land areas defined qualify as Regional and reside inside and beyond the Summit County boundary into adjacent and distant counties and have federal/national identities. Future advocacy in these areas would have more clout if Regional Leagues were to collaborate on advocacy. It would require an effort to organize for specific issues affecting these areas.
ENVIRONMENT Adopt ___ Drop 2022
LWVH supports
the Lake Erie Basin Committee and measures to preserve and restore Lake Erie and its tributaries.
Background
The last LEB Committee Program was in 2014 (the final Program draft is in LWVH archive filing). The Committee is inactive. Regional Leagues have dropped this position. It is recommended that Lake Erie and its watershed issues are addressed though an abundance of LWVO positions and other documentation and in addition, to activate lobbying collaboration for change and directing and monitoring tax-based funding. LWVAA has a local position on environment. LWVH adopted a Hudson Climate Change and Sustainability Position 2022.
TO DOWNLOAD THIS DOCUMENT TO YOUR COMPUTER AND / OR PRINT IT, OPEN THIS PDF: advocacy_program_and_positions_2022_final.pdf
